2026 BAH Calculator
Dependency Status
Select a location and pay grade to see your BAH rate
Understanding BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing)
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a monthly payment to help service members afford housing when government quarters are not provided. The amount depends on your duty station location, pay grade, and whether you have dependents.
Key Facts About 2026 BAH
BAH is tax-free — you keep every dollar
Rates are based on local housing costs in each Military Housing Area (MHA)
With-dependents rate is higher than without-dependents rate
BAH rate protection: your rate won't decrease while at the same duty station
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing)?
BAH is a U.S. military benefit that provides service members with a housing allowance when government housing is not available. The amount is based on geographic location, pay grade, and dependency status.
How are 2026 BAH rates calculated?
BAH rates are calculated annually by the Department of Defense based on local housing costs in each Military Housing Area (MHA). The calculation considers median rental prices for housing appropriate to each pay grade.
Is BAH taxable?
No, BAH is a tax-free housing allowance. It is not subject to federal or state income taxes, which makes the effective value higher than the stated amount.
